Taught course

Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology (Clinical)

Institution
University of Waikato
Qualifications
PGDipPsych(Clin)
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Entry requirements

Applications to enrol in the Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology (Clinical) close on 1 October of the year preceding entry. Please apply early as applicants will go through a selection process. Complete applications will be considered by the selection committee in October. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed in November.

Please check your eligibility for entry before submitting an application. An initial assessment of applications will commence in August, and a link to the selection form is shared with applicants mid-August.
Entry into the programme is competitive and places are limited.
The main criteria for selection are based on:
Academic record: We need to see evidence that you can perform very well in academic tasks such as critical reading of the literature and written communication, and have a solid background in the concepts and methods of psychology. Postgraduate grades must be at least a B+ average.
Letters of recommendation: Two letters are required. Please choose people who can comment on your academic skills and record, and your suitability and capacity to relate to others. Letters of recommendation must be sent directly by your referees to the programme. Requirements for the Letter of recommendation are outlined in the selection form stage of your application. We do not contact referees on your behalf. It is your responsibility to ensure that we receive Letters of recommendation before the deadline.
Suitability for training: Consideration is given to demeanour, self-awareness, relevant experience, maturity, capacity for critical thinking, motivation to complete a three-year programme, and fitness for registration.
Personal essay: A one-page essay outlining your reasons for considering clinical psychology as a career, include a brief overview of your major interests within psychology and what you might hope to accomplish in your training.
Reflections on cultural responsiveness: Short answer questions which include personal reflections about working with people from a different cultural context to yourself, your cultural background and experiences, the relevance of Te Tiriti in clinical practice.
Work experience: Paid or unpaid relevant work experience.

Months of entry

March

Course content

The Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology is a specialist qualification leading to professional registration as a psychologist.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology (PGDipPsych(Clin)) is a three-year programme. The first two years of the programme are often taken concurrently with the Master of Social Sciences (MSocSc), but may also be coordinated with work toward a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD); the Masters/PhD must be completed before beginning the final (internship) year of the programme.

The PGDipPsych(Clin) is comprised of academic coursework and supervised clinical practice. There is a gradual transition from an emphasis on didactic teaching and observation in the first year, to mainly supervised clinical experience (internships) in the third year. In all years, substantial independent work is required, such as accessing and reading journal articles and writing clinical reports and case studies.

Applicants interested in concurrent enrolment in a PhD should contact the convenor of the programme to discuss a programme of study.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • PGDipPsych(Clin)
    part time
    36 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name
Programme Administrator
Email
clinical.psychology@waikato.ac.nz
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